METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATED HANDLING OF RESIN-IMPREGNATED MATS DURING THE PRODUCTION OF SMC PARTS

摘要

The invention relates to a method and a device for the automated handling of resin-impregnated mats of various forms and sizes during the production of SMC parts, by means of a vacuum gripper which can be handled in a multi-axis manner. In order to grasp sections of a flat continuous base and to be able to carry out all standard handling operations in a trouble-free, precise and automated manner, a plurality of suction bells are distributed in a raster-type manner on the vacuum gripper, said suction bells being able to be individually subjected to a vacuum. The suction bells consist of an inflexible material and have a bell-shaped cross-section with a pointed end. They can be abruptly applied to the resin-impregnated mats and sink into the surface of the mats in a sealing manner. Rotating cleaning brushes for the suction bells are arranged in the action region of the handling device.